Tailor-made Journey

16 days from
£3799pp

Jet off to New Zealand’s stunning South Island and discover its varied wildlife and beautiful coastline.

Highlights

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Hike the breath-taking Abel Tasman Coast Track and uncover the golden beaches and blue lagoons of the Marlborough Sounds, washing it all down with a glass or two of New Zealand’s finest wine.

Some of the highlights included are:

Check out Christchurch’s innovative Re:START shipping containers mall

See if you can spot the dolphins leaping in the waves in Kaikoura

Sample New Zealand’s finest wines in Blenheim

Hike along the glorious coastline of Abel Tasman National Park

Holiday Type

Wildlife & Nature

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Off the Beaten Track

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What's included

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International & Internal flights

10 nights in 4–5* hotels

8 days car hire

Dolphin encounter in Kaikoura

Whale-watching tour in Kaikoura

Wine tour in Blenheim

2 night Abel Tasman Walk (in 4* Lodges)

Airport transfers in Nelson

Need to know

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Arrives: Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

Time difference: GMT+13

Visa requirements: British passport holders do not require a visa

Language: English and Maori

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Flying time from UK: around 27 hours

Plug type: 3-prong flat blade plug

Voltage: 240 volts/50 cycles

Your route

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Itinerary

Days 1-2

Fly from UK to Christchurch

Days 3-4

Christchurch

Explore the pretty city of Christchurch, reminiscent of a middle England
town. Perhaps go punting on the Avon or take a look at the innovative
Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of the city’s resilience after the tragic
earthquake of 2011. In the same vein, be sure to browse the Re:START Mall, a
collection of shops and cafes housed in reclaimed shipping containers,
helping businesses to recover. Take a wander around the flowerbeds and
fountains of the pretty Botanic Gardens and learn about traditional Maori
culture in the Canterbury Museum.

4.5* Peppers Clearwater Resort

Days 5-6

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is home to an abundance of marine life including fur seals, penguins
and albatrosses. See if you can spot them all as you head out to sea on a
whale and dolphin watching adventure. Depending on when you visit it’s
possible to see sperm whales, humpback whales, southern right whales and even
blue whales, as well as orcas and dolphins. Well-known for its seafood, it
would be a shame to visit Kaikoura without sampling the deliciously fresh
crayfish.

4* The White Morph Includes a Dolphin encounter experience; a whale watching tour

Days 7-8

Blenheim

Taste the locally grown wines among the sun-drenched vineyards and pretty
wineries of Blenheim. The region is well known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but
also produces excellent Riesling and Pinot Noir. Visit a number of wineries,
soak up the scenery and find your favourite from among the vintages. Once
you’ve had your fill of wine, there are a number of art galleries and
museums worth exploring too. Blenheim often claims to be New Zealand’s
sunniest town, but there is a bit of friendly rivalry with nearby Nelson.

4.5* Scenic Hotel Marlborough Includes a full-day wine tour

Days 9-10

Bay of Many Coves

Discover the beautiful Marlborough Sounds from the Bay of Many Coves. This
collection of coves and inlets, peaks and beaches was created during the last
ice age, and is a spectacular area, dotted with tranquil islands and filled
with wildlife. Fishing, biking and hiking are popular activities here, as
well as scuba diving. For something a bit different, try diving the wreck of
the Mikhail Lermontov, a sunken Russian cruise ship. Walking is also a
popular pastime, soaking up the scenery from the comfort of a deck chair.

5* Bay of Many Coves Resort

Day 11

Nelson

Another claimant of the sunniest town in New Zealand title, Nelson is a place
to enjoy the good things in life. Named after Lord Nelson, a British Admiral,
Nelson is a compact city surrounded by stunning scenery, nature trails, parks
and beaches, and a great place to get outdoors and explore. The forests and
mountains draw artists and craftsmen from all over and you can visit their
galleries and studios while you are here. The imaginative costume designs in
the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum (WOW) particularly stand
out. Other pursuits include exploring the coastline by sea kayak or just
relaxing in the sun with a glass of wine and feasting on the local scallops.

4.5* Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort

Days 12-13

Abel Tasman National Park

Walk from bay to cove, delve into lush forests, cross golden sands, and
paddle in crystal clear lagoons on the gorgeous Abel Tasman Coast Track.
First, take a cruise along the Abel Tasman National Park coastline to
Totaranui, where you can choose to explore the rainforest or flop on the
beach. Then, walk south to Meadowbank Homestead Awaroa where you’ll spend
the night by the bay. The next day, view the gorgeous headlands and estuaries
and cross a swing bridge to Torrent Bay beachfront, where you’ll spend your
second night. On the third and final day follow the beaches and bays to
Marahau before returning to Nelson.

4* Meadowbank Homestead Awaroa & 4* Torrent Bay Lodge

Day 14

Nelson

Your trip comes to end back in Nelson, where you’ll have one final night to
look back on your fabulous adventure.

4.5* Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort

Days 15-16

Depart Nelson and return to the UK

Book Now

price from£3799ppfor travel up to 11 months in advance

This journey can be tailor-made by our experts to suit your plan or budget.

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